The Standard Model G (for "gas") has one problem when used as a pump. The user can cut off the gas, but there is no way to disconnect the spring, so you have to pump against the heavy spring. That is not the case with the Model M (for "manual") pump rifle.

In ca. 1910, when Standard Arms was in business, it wasn't so much why a buyer would want one or the other - as both autoloading & slide action rifles were relatively new on the American sporting scene at that time.

IMO, Standard most likely felt that a dual-use firearm would appeal to two markets (auto AND slide) instead of just one (auto OR slide).

In ca. 1910, when Standard Arms was in business, it wasn't so much why a buyer would want one or the other - as both autoloading & slide action rifles were relatively new on the American sporting scene at that time.

IMO, Standard most likely felt that a dual-use firearm would appeal to two markets (auto AND slide) instead of just one (auto OR slide).

While there is some truth to the idea of it appealing to pump guys, the bigger concept was a backup system for the unreliable gas system. As mentioned, it was the first mass produced gas operated semi rifle, and we're talking ca 1910. The company went out of business due to the rep these rifles got. Instead of getting billed as "latest and greatest" it was more like "new technology, but unreliable, dangerous...". Logically, if the gun has a new technology, and it doesn't work consistantly, then you would need a backup system. Without the pump, some issues/failures would render the gun inoperable. This could have been esp bad in say a LE or hunting scenario (dangerous game).

They were made in .30, .32 and 35 remington. The model M that Jim K mentioned was made at the end, when they decided to pull the plug on the model G, perhaps to improve sales, or to use up already made parts, (or ?) but it ended up being too little, too late for Standard Arms. There was some 7000 Model G guns made, but only 1000 to 2000 of the model M making it one rare bird today. I read somewhere that Numrich bought out the spare parts from the failed company (or from whoever acquired the parts from the company) and assembled more guns with the parts on hand. Numbers vary on how many were assembled after the factory shutdown.

I have 2 of these myself, one of each, I will try and post pics later. They certainly have a special place in history and as Bob mentioned, not seen very often today. I have never fired either of mine.

Seems to me some military style shotguns use a similar autoloader/pump dual system.
Besides possible plugged gas port , many hunters still hand loaded using Black Powder, the smokeless powders back then being a bit iffy in quality and not always available, and store bought ammo might not be particulary fresh with some loads not being up to snuff.
Some also liked light cast bullet loads for small game.

I don't know the history of game laws that well, but some states now ban semi-auto rifles for hunting. If a hunter wanted to hunt more than one state, a rifle that could be changed from a pump to a semi-auto might be useful if it were allowed in the no-semi state(s). (Changing the Standard requires a special wrench, so it might have been legal.)

Here is my standard arms model G. Its in 30 Remington. It also has a rack number, so it may have been issued by some agency. I saw one of these recently and the pump and butt plate were polished, because the previous owner didn't realize that the brass has a black finish, almost to resemble patina or something, but thats original to these. I love how ornate they made the pump and butt plate. So in consequence, that model G looked like crap. I don't know why people want to shine up antiques and old guns, when the patina is natural, and it takes a long time to take place. I myself treasure the old look. Sorry for the crappy photos. I don't have pics of my model M, but I will get that done and post those too.

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